Hull City vs Derby County. Sky Bet Championship.
MKM StadiumAttendance20,470.
3-2
Wednesday 18 May 2016 07:59, UK
Hull City scraped through to the Championship play-off final with a 3-2 aggregate win over Derby County.
No team in the history of the play-offs had ever overcome a three-goal first-leg deficit but Derby came close, winning the game 2-0 courtesy of a Johnny Russell strike and Andrew Robertson own-goal in the first half.
Derby had 55 minutes to force extra time but the hosts regrouped and saw the game out, booking a Wembley date with Sheffield Wednesday on May 28.
Sky Sports Football League analyst Ian Holloway questioned Derby's character after their lacklustre performance in the first leg, which Hull won 3-0 at the iPro Stadium.
Derby head coach Darren Wassall admitted in his pre-match briefing that he had used Holloway's words to motivate himself and his players.
Whatever he said, it worked a charm as Derby came out with a high intensity that was missing in the first leg. An early goal was crucial if they were serious about mustering a comeback and they got one on nine minutes.
Cyrus Christie burst down the right flank and crossed for Chris Martin, whose attempt was blocked but Russell was ready and waiting to follow up.
Will Hughes was running the show from midfield for the visitors and his ball sent Martin towards goal on 27 minutes. Martin was hauled down on the edge of the box but Jeff Hendrick's effort was blocked away.
It was one-way traffic towards the Hull goal and Derby doubled their lead on 36 minutes.
Marcus Olsson flew down the left and his average cross was made into a good one by the unfortunate left-foot of Robertson, who shanked one past his own goalkeeper.
The home crowd were now getting very restless and Derby should have been level just after the break.
The energetic Andreas Weimann got to the by-line and cut the ball back for the on-rushing Craig Bryson, but with the goal at his mercy he scuffed the ball wide.
With Derby just needing one goal to force extra time, Hull played as though they didn't know whether to stick or twist. Mo Diame fired wide on 57 minutes but they lacked a real outlet in the final third as Derby continued to boss the game.
Martin stung the gloves of Eldin Jakupovic on 70 minutes before substitute Tom Ince fired over from long range.
Derby's early exertions started to take their toll as the game ticked down and Hull gained control of proceedings.
The home crowd grew in confidence with their team and although Derby threw everything at Hull in the closing stages, including goalkeeper-turned-striker Scott Carson, the Tigers saw the game through.
The KC Stadium breathed a collective sign of relief.
